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Marlins hope to rebound like 2006 squad

5/11/13: Miguel Olivo launches a solo homer over the left-field wall, putting the Marlins on the board in the top of the seventh inning

By Joe Frisaro and Joe Morgan
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- After the Marlins' transitioned to a young, inexperienced team in the offseason, comparisons were made to the 2006 team, which also was filled with rookies.

Like the current club, the '06 Marlins started the season 11-31.

Now, the question is whether the Marlins can make a turnaround that is similar to what took place seven years ago.

Miami's backup catcher Miguel Olivo was part of both teams. Olivo was the Opening Day starter in '06.

"I know everybody got together, and we started playing more together as a team," Olivo said.

With Joe Girardi managing, the Marlins in '06 made a big improvement, finishing 78-84. In early September of that year, they were two games over .500 before stumbling at the end of the season.

"Nobody's giving up here," manager Mike Redmond said. "Nobody's quitting. Like I said, these guys are a resilient bunch. Obviously, nobody's happy with the losses and the six-game losing streak. But at the same time, too, guys are coming out here, they're competing, they're battling. And that's all we can ask."